TxDOT: Nearly 6,000 Crashes Involved Pedestrians in 2019

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise in Texas, and the Department of Public Safety is asking for Texans to watch out for each other.

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users because they aren’t equipped with protective equipment, such as airbags, seat belts, and bumpers. According to state officials, in 2019 there were 5,975 traffic crashes involving pedestrians in Texas. 

In the nearly six thousand crashes, 669 deaths were reported -- a five percent increase over the previous year. In addition to the deaths, at least 1,317 people were seriously injured.

“From 2015 to 2019, traffic crashes claimed the lives of 3,150 pedestrians,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “To reach our goal of zero deaths on Texas roadways we need all drivers to obey the rules of the road, stay alert, and take responsibility for looking out for pedestrians, and for pedestrians to follow safety tips.”

According to TxDOT, since 2015 the agency has spent $153 million in federal and state funding to upgrade sidewalks, curbs, and striping for pedestrian accessibility, safety, and mobility. 

During that same time, TxDOT has also awarded $116 million in grant funding to support more than 120 locally sponsored projects that provide safe routes to schools, multi-use pathways, sidewalks, and bike paths in rural and small urban areas.

In an effort to reduce the number of deaths on Texas roads and highways, TxDOT is launching an outreach campaign.

TxDOT offers these safety tips to prevent a deadly encounter:

For drivers:

• When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles.
• Pay attention and put your phone away—pedestrians may enter your path suddenly.
• Obey the speed limit and drive to conditions.

For pedestrians:

• Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume drivers see you.
• Obey all traffic and crosswalks signals.
• Use the sidewalk. If there isn’t one, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
• When walking, put away electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
• Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night